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Home > Teaching Specialties > Science education
Science education
 Science teachers are in high demand, especially at the elementary and secondary school level. Positioning yourself for a career in science teaching will prove to be a smart career move due to many open positions in the near future.
Becoming a science teacher is not only a smart career decision; it is also a personally rewarding career choice. As with any teaching profession, you will have the joy of seeing your students grow. Science is an especially rewarding teaching career because of its inquisitive nature. Students are taught to be critical thinkers and use innovative ideas coupled with scientific methodology to come to their own conclusions about their world around them.
A science education includes subjects such as chemistry, physics, biology, marine science, astronomy and other investigatory courses. Science students are taught both from textbooks and hands-on learning. Science labs, field trips, mixed media materials, and primary and secondary research all support the students’ learning experience.
Other classic responsibilities of a science teacher include:
 Preparing and delivering ability- and age-appropriate curricula
Demonstrating hands-on activities prior to assignment
Assigning homework, including supplemental reading and science projects
Evaluating student performance on tests, reports and lab activities
Collaborating with other teachers, staff, students and parents to support student progress
Staying current on the latest technology and scientific discoveries
Coordinating school science fairs
Mentoring students and preparing them for science competitions
Teaching Environments
A science teacher with a bachelor’s degree will be qualified to work at a middle or high school. Those who hold a master’s or doctoral degree are qualified to teach at the postsecondary level. In addition to the traditional school setting, those with a degree in science may choose to work in a museum, for the government, or to conduct research for a private company.
Secondary-school science teachers typically divide their teaching time between the classroom and the lab area. In the classroom, they lecture on textbook subject matter and lead class discussions. In the lab, they conduct experiments and perform hands-on activities. Field trips to natural history museums or certain outdoor areas provide interesting learning opportunities for students.
Training and Education Requirements
At minimum, you will need a bachelor’s degree and your teaching credential to teach science in a public school. A master’s degree in science will make you even more qualified and will help you earn advance pay.
If you've already earned a degree in science, you may want to consider an alternative licensure program that involves supervised classroom teaching and evening classes. Another way to meet teaching requirements is to take a year of education courses to earn your teaching certificate.
A master’s degree is ideal for science teachers to be the most employable and knowledgeable. More than half of surveyed science teachers have a master’s degree, according to the National Science Teacher's Association (NSTA). Some states even require a master’s degree to be earned within a certain time frame. Your state’s Department of Education will have more information for you regarding this requirement.
Teaching Credential
In order to teach science at a public school in any state, you must be certified. Many states also require that public school teachers take supplemental education courses to maintain their license. Private schools do not always require a license.
Your position is in high demand: according to a 2007 survey conducted by the NSTA, more than half of high schools and a third of middle schools nationwide are experiencing a shortage in qualified science teachers. This high demand means that you can earn a higher salary teaching science than other subjects. There will be more job openings for science teachers in your area as well. Science teachers are held to a high standard and are equally rewarded for their hard work. Teaching science is a uniquely rewarding career that may be a perfect fit for you.
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